Plafond van Breestraat 177 te Leiden 1907

This is a photograph of a plaster ceiling, probably taken in the early twentieth century in Leiden. I love looking at the details, the way the light softens the edges of the cherubs and foliage. It’s almost like the ceiling is breathing. You can imagine the person who made this, carefully mixing the plaster and pressing it into molds. It’s a delicate process and kind of makes you realize how much skill is involved in this kind of artwork. How does this process of making construct a site of inquiry for the artist and the viewer? There are definite echoes of other artists here—maybe the Rococo style, with its elaborate curves, and the Neoclassical focus on symmetry. It makes you wonder, what were they thinking about when they made it? Were they aware of this conversation across time, inspiring and responding to one another’s creativity?